Marion Co. Listers:
I neglected to post this to the Marion County List in follow up to the Martha Doan Park in
Westield:
Today several members of the Hamilton County Cemetery Commission met with City of
Westfield Mayor, Andy Cook, and City of Westfield Parks Director, Melody Jones, to discuss
the City's plans for the Martha Doan Memorial Park. The Parks Department had
temporarily halted work when work on a water main at the site yielded human bones. The
City immediately involved the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, who had reviewed
the project earlier, and forensic experts from IUPUI.
After review with the DNR, plans were slightly revised in order to proceed with the
project in a manner so as not to disturb any graves. To this end, additional topsoil is
being added to some areas that will require footers to support steps and a wall. Crushed
stone walkways, located mostly where walkways through the park were created in the
1960's, will provide access without any negative impact. Any penetration into the soil
will be minimally intrusive and outside of areas that ground radar has shown past
disturbance of the soil (i.e. grave sites).
The steps taken by the City of Westfield show serious consideration for preservation of
this cemetery. In fact, interpretive signs planned for the park and the renaming of the
park to include reference to the Old Friends name to the site will help to increase its
recognition as a pioneer cemetery and final resting place of some of Westfield's
founding families. The Cemetery Commission members present voiced their approval of the
project as presented.
As a Hamilton County resident with a keen interest in both our county's history and
the preservation of our pioneer cemeteries, I appreciate the actions taken by Mayor Cook,
Melody Jones and the City of Westfield to preserve this site and to call attention to
it's contribution to Westfield's history. Upon it's completion, visitors to
Westfield that enjoy their trail system will have the opportunity view a pioneer cemetery
that reflects the respect of the community. If you are interested in seeing a rendering of
the site plan, there is now a sign at the site on South Union Street.
Also, please visit the new website for the Hamilton County Cemetery Commission at:
http://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/departments.asp?id=8148
Robert Goode